Tow Behind Camper Rental

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Tow Behind Camper Rentals: The Choice for you?

A tow behind camper – otherwise known as a towable trailer – is an RV category which describes trailers that are hitched to and pulled by a separate vehicle that has the horsepower and load carrying capacity necessary to tow.

Towable trailers models can differ quite substantially from one another. We recommend browsing the wide variety of towable trailers available on the RVshare marketplace – with varying size, amenity, fuel economy, mechanical, and interior layout profiles – so that you can choose the trailer that fits just right for your particular needs.

Towable trailers are fundamentally different than motorized RVs in that the engine and driving controls are separated from the living area. This can be a great advantage or disadvantage depending on the particular circumstances of a prospective renter.

For example, in certain states, passengers are not allowed to sit in the towable trailer while in motion. If your trip route takes you through a state in which this ban is in effect, then you will have to either change your route, move all passengers into the tow vehicle, if possible, or take an additional vehicle.

On the other hand, towable trailers tend to be cheaper to rent than similarly equipped motorized RVs, making them an excellent choice for those on a limited budget, or for those prospective renters who are simply looking for the best “bang for their buck.”

If you have an initial interest in renting a tow behind camper – but are not entirely sure about whether it makes sense for your trip – read through the following assessment of the category.

Advantages of a Tow Behind Camper

Still on the fence? Towable trailers enjoy a number of unique advantages that you may find compelling for your road trip.

Driving Flexibility

The fact that towable trailers can be “detached” gives them a significant operational advantage when compared to motorized RVs. Consider the numerous circumstances under which it would benefit you to reduce your size profile and improve your vehicle’s maneuverability – perhaps you’d like to explore tight urban streets or take some narrow, rough country roads. With a tow behind camper, you can leave the trailer behind at the RV park or campground and explore using your tow vehicle instead.

Better Fuel Economy

Towable trailers enjoy a marginal fuel economy gain when compared to similarly equipped motorized RVs. Though it may not seem like much, every mpg counts if you’re on a budget and planning a longer road trip.

Separated Mechanical Concerns

Because the engine and driving mechanism is separated from the trailer, mechanical issues can be handled in isolation. This can be a serious benefit on long journeys where mechanical issues are – to some degree – inevitable. With a motorized RV, if your engine experiences issues, you either have to call for mechanical services for a remote fix, or you have to take the RV to a mechanic for repairs (thus preventing you from using the living area of the RV). With a towable trailer, on the other hand, if your tow vehicle experiences mechanical issues, you can send it for repairs and still stay overnight in your trailer.

Tow Behind Camper Rental Rates

The RVshare marketplace has a wide variety of rental rates for tow-behind campers, and if you look hard enough, you may find a deal that is substantially below the market average.

For Folding or Pop-up Trailers, rental rates typically range from $50-175+ per day.

Keep in mind that sub-categories have substantial variety in and of themselves. One travel trailer may be 40 feet in length and feature luxury amenities and complete furnishings. Another travel trailer may be 25 feet in length and minimally furnished. Rates are therefore likely to vary along a broad spectrum depending on the particular details of a unit. As a general rule, however, you can expect these “rental rate ranges” for towable trailers on the platform.

Finding the Right Vehicle for a Tow

If you’re going to be renting a towable trailer, you’ll want to make sure that your existing vehicle is capable of towing it, or that you will be renting a vehicle that is capable of towing it.

Tow behind campers are physically hitched to the back of your tow vehicle via a receiver hitch, fifth wheel hitch, gooseneck hitch, or one of many other hitch designs. Whether your vehicle is capable of towing the trailer will therefore not only depend on its horsepower and “towing capacity,” but will also depend on the shape and configuration of your tow vehicle.

For example, pickup trucks are generally the only type of vehicle that can be hitched to a fifth wheel trailer (without substantial modification).

For very small trailers (such as pop-up trailers), you will probably be able to get by with your existing car, assuming that it has the horsepower to do so. Smaller configurations of travel trailers will likely need a more powerful vehicle, such as an SUV or a truck, but can work with certain cars. Larger travel trailers and fifth wheel trailers will most likely need a pickup truck.

Always consult the owner’s manual for an accurate determination of the towing capacity of your vehicle.

On RVshare, some towable trailer owners will also be willing to rent out their tow vehicle with the trailer – speak with the owner directly to see if a deal can be negotiated!

Use the RVshare Peer-to-Peer Marketplace for Better Rates

RVshare is a peer-to-peer RV rental marketplace that directly connects owners with prospective renters to ensure that renters are getting an RV at the most competitive rate. Because you’ll be browsing listings posted directly by the owners, don’t give up if a listing is “almost” perfect – consider contacting the owner and negotiating a better deal. Owners may be amenable to a different rate than they listed, but you won’t know until you engage with them further.